BRE Centre for Resilience will issue two reports on studies it has conducted regarding tackling overheating in urban dwellings and the development of flood resilience repair standards in homes.

The centre will also launch a new demonstration project of a flood resilient house, which will be refurbished with materials that will enable a home to recover quickly in the event of flooding.

Dr Stephen Garvin, director of BRE Centre for Resilience, said: “…There is a substantial knowledge gap we need to fill to get the built environment ready and adapted for the future – the social, economic and environmental risks are significant.

“We are keen to do more to further knowledge and engage with a broader range of industry partners – that’s how we will drive the necessary changes.”

The measures follow the publication of a ‘UK Climate Change Risk Assessment Evidence Report’, which concluded that flooding and heat-related illnesses were among the most immediate priorities.

Dr Garvin added: “This is a very welcome risk report from the Committee on Climate Change, which highlights the importance of acting now on the infrastructure we develop, so that long-term resilience is designed in or retrofitted.”

BRE’s Centre for Resilience was launched to identify and tackle critical issues in homes, building and structures.

The BRE Group also owns sustainability assessment firm CEEQUAL for civil engineering, while offering its own ‘BREEAM’ sustainability accreditation for planning, buildings and infrastructure.